Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars For Bret Michaels?

"Anyone who knows Bret's family and knows him as a father and a friend would truly understand that he is hurting over the separation and the last thing he is thinking about is doing a dating show." more on this story

Mariah Carey Makes Triumphant Return

(popmusiclife) Mariah Carey has released her new single, "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" ft. Rick Ross and Meek Mill and you can preview it online.

"Meek adds an excitement, a newness to the record that is pretty rare right now," Carey said in a conference call with the media just prior to the song's release. "Working with Ross and Meek on the same record was incredible. Obviously, Ross is a star and everybody loves him. I'm a fan of his music. I really, really wanted to work with him. I love the tone of his voice. I think the contrast of his voice and mine would be something special. I always like to do collaborations that people might think are different."

The new song is the first single from Mariah's upcoming – and still untitled – studio album, her 14th. "I'm collaborating with a lot of my favorite people but the main thing is [that] I'm not trying to follow any particular trend," said the pop superstar. "I want it to be well received. I want to stay true to myself and the music that I love and make the fans happy." Listen to the new song here.

Jersey Shore Star Avoids Jail For Drug Arrest

(TMZ) "Jersey Shore" star The Unit just caught a hell of a break in his drug case -- TMZ has learned, he struck a sweet deal with prosecutors to keep out of jail.

Mr. Unit -- real name John Manfre -- was arrested last summer outside the "Jersey Shore" house for felony drug possession, when cops say they found Special K on his person ... the street name for Ketamine ... a drug often used as a horse tranquilizer.

But today, Manfre got off with a slap on the wrist -- agreeing to plead guilty to a "disorderly persons offense" if prosecutors dropped the drug charge, which they did.

Manfre was ordered to pay $125 in fine ... that's it. more on this story

Katherine Jackson Tricked and Blocked From Michael Jackson's Kids?

(TMZ) Katherine Jackson is strongly suggesting she was tricked into traveling to Tucson last month and BLOCKED from communicating with MJ's children -- this according to a sworn declaration by Katherine herself.

Katherine filed the declaration as part of her bid to obtain co-guardianship over Prince, Paris, and Blanket.

In the docs, Katherine claims she was scheduled to go on a road trip to New Mexico to watch her sons in concert -- but on July 14th, an unnamed doctor showed up to her house and told her it was better for her to take a plane instead.

Katherine says she obliged -- believing the doctor was under the orders of her longtime physician -- but when she got off the plane ... she found herself in Tucson, where she had been set up at a luxury resort.

According to her lawyer, "Her children took her to a spa ... because she had high blood pressure."

When she got to the resort, Katherine says her phone and iPad were taken away -- and her in-room telephone was disconnected. She says her TV was also shut off.

When Katherine asked about the grandchildren, she was told "they were fine" and there was nothing to worry about. She says she did NOT know she had been reported missing and her grandkids were freaking out.

Katherine says, "At the time, I trusted the people I was with to be honest with me."

The declaration flies completely in the face of the statements Katherine previously made in an interview with ABC News, when she called her sudden absence last month a "short vacation."

During the interview, Katherine -- surrounded by Jermaine, Rebbie, and Janet -- said, "One reason I didn't call is I just gave up my phone and I didn't want to have any phone calls while I was here." Story developing ...

American Idol Champ Phillip Phillips Releases Debut Video

(popmusiclife) Season 11 American Idol winner Phillip Phillips has released the video for his debut single, "Home."

The tune was also his coronation song on the series, which he won back in May. "It was so awesome to make the video for "Home", had a blast! and its so great to be able to share it with you guys," posted the singer on Thursday.

"Home" has been getting a profile boost thanks to its use as a theme during NBC's Olympics broadcast of its women's gymnastics coverage. Watch the video here.

Slightly Stoopid Giving Away Four New Songs

Slightly Stoopid are giving fans an early preview of their new album Top of the World (Out Aug 14th) by giving away a four-song sampler for free.

The download, which contains a radio edit of the album's title track, plus the album songs "Don't Stop," "Just Think" (featuring ex-Jurassic Five emcee Chali 2na) and "Pon Da Horizon," is available here.

Top of the World, their seventh studio album, is the latest chapter in the ongoing Slightly Stoopid story, and will be released on the band's own label, Stoopid Records. For this release, the seven-piece band gathered an all-star crew to join on the record, including: reggae legends Barrington Levy and Don Carlos of Black Uhuru; "unofficial 8th member" Karl Denson of Greyboy Allstars; longtime band friend and touring partner G. Love; Fishbone frontman Angelo Moore; Dumpstaphunk's Ian Neville; and hit-making singer/songwriter Angela Hunte. more on this story

Ex-Wife Says Usher's Sympathy for Her Son's Death is 'Bogus'

(TMZ) Usher didn't care about his ex-wife's dead son ... blew off his funeral ... and is only PRETENDING to be affected by the tragedy to court sympathy from the media and his fans ... this according to the singer's ex-wife.

Tameka Foster's lawyer has filed new documents in the couple's bitter child custody war ... slamming Usher ... who asked the court to delay the next hearing in light of the death of Tameka's son, Kile, who was killed in a jet ski accident.

In his request, Usher claims he's worried the hearing would cause "unnecessary stress and strain" for both himself, Tameka and their two minor children "in the immediate wake of this tragedy."

Usher also claims Tameka would get an unfair advantage in the hearing because the court would not want to rule against a woman who is still grieving the death of her son. Usher fears he could lose custody of the children and believes it would be unfair to him.

But Tameka claims Usher is full of crap ... and in docs of her own, insists U's claims of suffering "stress and strain" are "BOGUS."

In fact, Tameka claims Usher didn't care about her son at all in his final days -- even though Usher regarded him as a son back when they were married.

"[Usher] visited Kile in the hospital only once" during his 15 days on life support ... Tameka claims.

She also claims she had begged Usher to tweet a message about her son, "Please pray for Kile" ... but he refused. Instead, Tameka claims, Usher's next tweet was a photo of his own breakfast with the caption, "Breakfast of Champions."

In her docs, Tameka claims Usher's attempt to postpone the hearing is "simply a transparent sham" ... and asks the judge to DENY Usher's request and require him to appear at the next scheduled hearing, set for August 13.

She also claims resolving the custody battle is the only way for her to heal and move forward with her life. more on this story

The X Factor Champ Melanie Amaro Releases Debut Single

The X Factor's first winner Melanie Amaro has debuted her first single, "Don't Fail Me Now."

The song, written by Livvi Franc (Britney Spears, Michael Jackson) and produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears), represents Amaro's journey to stardom.

In "Don't Fail Me Now," Amaro describes her road to success, "I've paid my dues, I've paid the price, I've prayed for you almost every night." She pleads, "I've walked the longest road so don't fail me now, feet don't fail me now." Listen to it here.

Classic Elvis Presley Concerts Set For Release

RCA/Legacy have set an October 30th release date for the deluxe 2-CD+DVD box of Elvis Presley's Prince From Another Planet: 40th Anniversary Edition. They sent out these details:

Of all the live concert recordings released by RCA during Elvis Presley's lifetime, none carried the historic significance of his long-awaited New York City shows at Madison Square Garden in June 1972.

Now, a pair of hour-long performances have finally been coupled in one package for the first time as Prince From Another Planet: 40th Anniversary Edition. more on this story

Cops Waited In Alley For 2 Hours Before Arresting NBA Star Matt Barnes

(TMZ) The police officer who arrested ex-LA Lakers star Matt Barnes waited in an alley for 2 hours ... waited for Barnes to exit a restaurant, and then charged the b-baller with felony resisting arrest -- even though Barnes never got physically violent ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

Barnes had a warrant out for his arrest for failing to appear on a ticket for driving on a suspended license. Sources say Barnes had gone to the DMV, gotten his license reinstated, and mistakenly believed he no longer had to go to court to clear the ticket.

Now here's where it gets strange. Our law enforcement sources say the arresting officer KNEW Barnes had an outstanding warrant as he watched the NBA forward and his baby mama park their car in a lot Monday night -- and walk a block-and-a-half to MB Post, a popular restaurant in Manhattan Beach, CA -- yet the cop did not approach the hoopster. Instead the officer waited in an alley near the car.

Witnesses say 15 minutes later, Barnes walked back to the vehicle in plain view of the cop. According to witnesses ... Barnes got something from the car and returned to the restaurant. Again, the officer watched but did nothing.

Nearly 2 hours later, Barnes and his chick left the restaurant and he signed autographs and posed for pictures as they walked to the car -- as they approached the vehicle the cop pounced and told Barnes he was under arrest, but didn't say why.

We're told Barnes already had one hand behind his back as he attempted to hand his gf the keys with his other hand so she could drive home. Sources say the cop grabbed the hand with the keys and the Lakers champ pulled away. The cop then immediately informed Barnes he would be charged with resisting arrest.

A police official for the dept. initially claimed the basis for the resisting arrest charge was a verbal threat allegedly made by Barnes, but we've learned the charge will be based on Barnes pulling his hand away.

Law enforcement sources say Barnes was NOT intoxicated at the time of his arrest.

It's unclear why the officer chose to wait 2 hours before busting Barnes. more on this story

Shifty Shellshock On A New Path After Arrest

(TMZ) Crazy Town singer Shifty Shellshock wants to apologize to everyone affected by his recent drug arrest -- telling TMZ, he's deeply sorry for the decisions that led him down that path ... and now, he's turning his life around.

A rep for Shifty -- real name Seth Binzer -- tells us, "Seth has completely changed his life around and has checked into a highly regarded drug and alcohol treatment center where he will be working with them to restructure his life over the next 2 years."

As we reported, Shifty was sentenced yesterday to three years probation, stemming from his February drug arrest -- when cops say he roughed up his ex-GF at a Ross Dress for Less while carrying rock cocaine. Shifty was also ordered to stay away from his ex.

But Shifty's extremely remorseful over the whole incident, telling us, "I would like to sincerely apologize to the parties involved ... I feel very bad for those who I have offended and those who have endured this situation."

According to his rep, Shifty's been in drug treatment since April -- having immediately sought help following his release from an L.A. hospital where he was treated for a mysterious coma.

We're told Shifty -- known for his multiple stints on "Celebrity Rehab" -- just got off tour, and has even quit cigarettes cold turkey.

One source says, "He knows he has to make this work and has to stay sober for him to live and be there for his kids. Nobody has seen Seth in such a good place before." It's true, we got Seth out last weekend and he looked great.

Video Shows Cuba Gooding Jr. Calling Bartender Racist

(TMZ) Cuba Gooding Jr. called a female bartender a "RACIST" for kicking him out of a New Orleans drinking establishment this week -- and the heated exchange was all caught on tape.

TMZ broke the story ... cops issued an arrest warrant for Cuba following the incident at The Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street early Tuesday morning -- when the bartender said Cuba shoved her for telling him to leave the pub.

According to the bartender, Cuba was intoxicated and had gotten angry at other bar patrons for taking pictures of him ... at which point, she told Cuba to get lost. That's when she says Cuba roughed her up.

The video cuts in right after Cuba leaves the bar, and the brunette follows him into the street, telling someone to "call the cops right now."

Cuba tells onlookers, "She's racist. She's racist. She doesn't like me." Moments later, another bystander yells, "He took a woman and he shoved her!"

But Cuba probably won't be prosecuted -- as we reported, management at The Old Absinthe House just announced the bartender won't be pressing charges. Watch the video here.

Toni Braxton Sued Over Braxton Family Values Ads

(TMZ) Toni Braxton is responsible for over $57,000 in STOLEN ADVERTISING for her TV show "Braxton Family Values" -- so says a new lawsuit ... and now, the singer's being sued BIG TIME.

A company called National Promotions & Advertising filed the lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court, claiming it entered into an agreement last year with the producers of Braxton's WEtv reality show -- including Braxton herself -- to promote the show's 2nd Season.

According to the lawsuit, NPA agreed to post 4,300 "BFV" posters around the country in exchange for a fat paycheck -- $57,322.29.

NPA claims it completed its end of the bargain in November -- days before the premiere of the show's second season -- but Braxton and her producing partners didn't pony up.

NPA says it's been trying to get paid ever since ... in vain ... and now, it's suing for its money ... plus damages.

A rep for Toni tells us the singer is not involved in marketing budgets or payables for the series, and says such decisions are handled by WEtv. more on this story

Lost Star's Teen Bride Checking Into Couples Therapy

(TMZ) Here's a shocker ... 17-year-old Courtney Stodden believes there are MAJOR PROBLEMS with her marriage to 52-year-old "Lost" actor Doug Hutchison ... and now she hopes they can be solved on a VH1 reality show.

TMZ has learned ... Stodden -- who married Hutchison when she was 16 -- has signed on to the upcoming season of VH1's "Couples Therapy."

Sources connected to production tell us .. the couple has acknowledged there are "obvious problems in their relationship because of their age difference and the notoriety they've gotten because of their relationship."

Courtney and Doug -- along with 4 other couples -- will receive "intense counseling" throughout the course of the show ... which began taping a few days ago. more on this story

Police Investigating Possible Fight Prior To Montee Ball Campus Attack

(TMZ) Montee Ball -- and several of his University of Wisconsin football teammates -- may have been involved in a fight several days before the 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist was attacked on campus this week ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... cops have received tips about a brawl at a UW football player's home roughly one week before Ball was jumped on campus.

According to our sources, cops have been told Ball was at the home ... and along with some of his teammates, may have participated in beating up a non-football player.

Cops were never called to the scene and no police report was ever filed.

But sources tell us ... investigators are now looking into the possibility that Wednesday's attack on Ball was in retaliation for last week's incident. more on this story

Behind The Scenes of Pink's Blow Me (One Last Kiss) Video

(popmusiclife) Pink recently released the video for her new single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)." Pink is now sharing some behind the scenes footage from the video shoot, which was directed by longtime collaborator Dave Meyers.

"Here we are in Malibu… I mean the south of France," jokes Pink at one point. "This is the ballroom scene; it's very sexy and dark."

The track is the lead single from her forthcoming album, "The Truth About Love," which is due September 18. Watch the clip here.